Miss Balamb Garden
Chapter Ten | A Knight's Homecoming
Unlike several of his peers, Eli Lockwood hadn't been around at Garden when the second sorceress war hit. He'd enrolled right after the events of time compression, during a period of upheaval followed by restoration and re-order, and was fortunate enough to make SeeD in less than a year. Some might've claimed this was a hasty shoo-in, each cohort now passing the exam easily to make up the numbers they'd lost during the fighting, but Eli liked to believe that he was just that tough and skilled. After all, things were peaceful now, weren't they? It wasn't like Garden desperately needed SeeDs.
A lot of Eli's cohort was made up of students who had been at Garden when all the chaos had erupted, and to be honest he was a little jealous of all the outrageous stories they told him.
Many of those centred around one villain named Seifer Almasy.
Eli didn't know the guy personally, but he'd certainly seen him around. He was hard to miss. Towering, formidable, brooding, with that enormous gunblade sometimes slung ominously over his shoulder. Eli made sure to give him a wide berth whenever they came into the same vicinity, following the lead of the other students. He was a good kid. He wasn't here to cause trouble. And crossing paths with Seifer Almasy definitely wasn't on his list of things to do as a good kid.
So imagine his shock when he discovered who would be squad leader of his very first SeeD mission.
The usual smell of ageing paper and musty carpet greeted Eli as he walked into the library. Waving at Enid by the front desk, he made his way to the usual room which burst into applause as soon as he walked through the door.
"There he is, back from his first mission!"
"Attaboy!"
Eli grinned bashfully as he stumbled into his seat, surrounded by his fellow faithful members of Dice and Destiny, their role-playing game clan. There was an even greater variety of snacks than usual littered on the table.
"Thanks, everyone. It's good to be back. Really good. I kept thinking about being here with you all and playing again." He accepted a can of creaming soda someone passed to him.
"So how was it?" asked Hannah Del Rey in a hushed voice. She was yet to pass a SeeD exam and always listened to the others in awe and admiration. But this time, she wasn't alone. Everyone took their seats in eager expectation, waiting for Eli to speak.
The young SeeD in question lowered his can, cringing a little. "It was - uhh - it wasn't great," he admitted. "Halfway down into the mine we were attacked by Snow Lions."
"In Timber?" someone said incredulously.
"Yeah, I know. We weren't expecting it. My legs got frozen with an ice attack and we couldn't get it unfrozen. Luckily the others managed to run off the lions."
"Oh my gosh! So you couldn't walk then? What happened next?"
"Umm. Seifer Almasy actually carried me for the most part."
A flurry of shocked gasps echoed around the table, as Eli knew it would. Hannah's eyes were actually bulging out of their sockets.
"The Seifer Almasy? Carried you?" she squealed, gripping her elbows.
"Yeah," said Eli ruefully.
"Unbelievable," one of the boys at the table muttered, shaking his head.
"Yeah, I can't imagine him doing that."
"Dude. Speaking of Seifer Almasy, did you hear about the camera in front of Instructor Trepe's room?" someone else piped up.
Eli frowned, leaning forward. "Someone put a camera there?"
"Apparently the Trepies were getting photos of her coming in and out of her room and posting them online. Almasy busted them big time."
"How'd he do that?" someone wanted to know.
"I dunno. All I know is that site got shut down real fast."
"Well, good on him," said Eli vaguely, taking another sip of his creaming soda. The mention of Instructor Trepe had brought something back to his mind. He certainly admired Instructor Trepe, but in the same way he admired the Commander and all the other decorated war heroes. He didn't really understand the fanatic way some of his peers regarded her.
What was it that was niggling his memory? Oh, yes. It was the first night of the mission after they'd visited the entrance of the mine and had been debriefed on their assignment. Almasy and Alcock (Eli tried not to think of him as the vegan one) were arguing about the strongest tie knot. Personally, Eli was aghast that Alcock was even gutsy enough to disagree with Almasy, but then again he hadn't been afraid to demand all his dietary requirements during their team meets back at Garden.
No sense of reading the room. He might get himself hurt one day.
"Yeah, that's what I thought," Hannah was saying earnestly back in the group conversation. "Seifer Almasy may be a bit heavy handed but… I don't disagree with what he did."
"How do I find the pics?"
"Ugh, are you serious?"
"I think he likes her," said Eli with sudden clarity and realisation. Almasy clearly wasn't changing his mind about the tie knot until Alcock insisted that was what Instructor Trepe had taught them last year. Eli could still recall the look on Almasy's face when she was mentioned. He had never seen it house anything other than a scowl or a glare, but this expression was neither. For a fraction of a second, it was… soft. Like the hostility had been sapped out of him. And then he said nothing more to argue with Alcock and just nodded curtly, "If that's what she said, then we'll go with your way."
All heads turned to Eli in surprise at the Dice and Destiny table. "Huh?"
"SeeD Almasy. I think he likes Instructor Trepe," Eli repeated, and the more he thought about it the more convinced he was.
"What makes you say that?"
"Someone mentioned her," he replied, "and he got… I don't know… tender."
"No way. Can't see that happening."
"I know," Eli said, nodding. "But I couldn't imagine he would carry a new recruit like me for an hour either."
"She is helping him with the beauty pageant," said Hannah thoughtfully. "Maybe he's realising how wonderful she is. Ohhh, I'm so jealous. I'd love to have one-on-one tutoring from Instructor Trepe."
"She can't end up with the ex-sorceress' knight!" exclaimed another girl in dismay.
"He's actually not a bad guy," said Eli fairly, glancing around at them all. He was a bit uncomfortable, unused to all the attention on him, but felt like he had to take to the soapbox. "He was a good squad leader."
The others seemed dubious. "Well, if he carried you for half the mission…"
"I think people aren't being fair in their judgement of him," Eli continued emphatically. "He was fully pardoned, wasn't he? No one even bats an eyelid at Edea Kramer walking around, and didn't she spear an icicle through Commander Leonhart? Besides, Almasy's spent longer on this side than he was on the other…"
Not everyone looked fully convinced, but Hannah smiled at him and nodded approvingly.
Eli shook his head, saying loudly, "Anyway, enough about the mission. We were successful. And we're back, so let's play!"
And there was no more discussion of Seifer Almasy and Instructor Trepe as the battle grids, character sheets and dice were broken out.
Seifer remembered staring forlornly up at the massive structure of Balamb Garden when he was forcibly returned. How the hell did an entire academy that had been through the literal end of the world and back still look so stately and polished? Especially when he himself felt like the spewed out contents of a whale's stomach, washed ashore.
Garden was now stationed back permanently in its original home, though he could still see parts of charred earth and gaping holes where the missiles had left a massive crater.
Later, Seifer would learn that Garden still had its moving ability if the situation ever warranted it, but Squall and co had decided that there was no longer a need to mobilise such a massive structure and goliath amount of SeeDs. After all, they had much faster and more convenient ways of moving people.
The image of Balamb Garden had evoked a sense of dread in Seifer even before he had gone rogue. Failed SeeD exams and an increasing sense of non-belonging made the place less friendly and welcoming. And the next time he'd seen it, floating above the barren Centran wasteland, it was literally when he was declaring war against the place and sending a battalion of Galbadian troops on freaking motorbikes to smash through the windows and take over the grounds.
Fortunately the sense of dread was now gone, replaced instead by a warmth and - dare he say it - fondness that Seifer looked upon the place every time he returned.
Tonight he barely had a chance to register that they were approaching Balamb Garden before they were already in the car park ramp. Ten days in Timber - ten long days - and he was keen to fall face first into his own bed. The rest of his team had already returned an hour ago, but squad leaders had certain duties to wrap up and he was only just getting back now. Seifer glanced at his watch as the driver backed into an empty car space. 2030 hours. Trepe would be getting ready for bed.
A small smile took root on his face, and Seifer decided to just let this thought exist without ferreting where it had come from. Useless ventures like this kept popping up in his mind lately, all to do with Quistis in some way or another. The instructor would tell you to stop glowering. Trepe probably wouldn't swear at her squad like this. I better not scar my face or Quistis will nope me into a black hole.
With a sigh of relief that he was finally back, Seifer heaved himself out of the car, nodding his head to the driver as he threw his bag over his shoulder and started making his way up to Squall's office.
With just half an hour until curfew the walkways were fairly empty, and Seifer enjoyed the stillness and quiet, looking over the familiar architecture and features with a sense of returning home.
Outside Squall's door, he knocked twice and barged in before even waiting for a reply. Squall didn't look up from his desk, probably already knowing who it was from this less-than-polite entry, and Seifer wondered if Squall always worked this late. He had to admit it was sort of impressive he could handle both his commander and pageant duties without looking like he was breaking a sweat.
"Mission success?" Squall called out, still not bothering to look up.
Seifer stood a few feet away from the desk in a casual stance, one arm still holding his bag over his shoulder. "Mission success. Squad B won't need long to clear out the rest."
Squall gave a single nod. "And what's this about Lockwood and frozen legs?"
Seifer scowled. "He got hit by some friggin' ice attack. I swear Shiva has some offspring in that mine somewhere because nothing - not even Flare - could undo it."
"And the area was clear?"
"Absolutely clear. You know how thorough I am."
Squall finally looked up at Seifer, his gaze somehow both mild and shrewd at the same time. "You could have left him there. He would've been fine."
Seifer set his jaw, prepared to double down as he always was when even mildly challenged. "You don't know that," he said pointedly, then he paused and added, "I don't leave a man behind."
"Alcock could've stayed with him," reasoned Squall, still in that mild tone. "Clear area, incurable attack… it would've been a low risk decision."
"We go together," Seifer said stubbornly. "Every man - and woman. Anyway, it wasn't a big deal to carry him." Except for my permanently slipped back disc, but oh well.
Squall watched him for a fraction of a second longer, a tiny frown creased between his brows before it smoothed away and he nodded. "Right. Well, you can make a full report later on. Dismissed."
"Excellent," said Seifer, doing some half-assed form of the SeeD salute and turning around. To his surprise, Squall asked another question, this time in a much more casual tone.
"How are you, Seifer?"
Seifer turned back around, reminded irresistibly of Cid doing the same thing to him a few weeks ago. Maybe it's a desk job thing. Softens you into butter. "Tired as hell," he shrugged. "I need to sleep for the next twenty-four hours."
A muscle twitched in Squall's cheek, almost as if he was about to smile. Weird. "You're free to do that," he said, then after a moment's pause added in a genuine, honest tone, "You look good, Seifer."
It was completely unexpected and totally out-of-character for Commander Golden Boy, and yet the words came out so naturally Seifer wondered if Leonhart perhaps did have some deep and substantial thoughts swirling around in his fluff brain somewhere. Maybe he just never said them aloud.
Seifer was also sort of touched, but there was no chance in hell he was going to show it.
He smirked at Squall. "Wait till you see me as a girl," he gloated.
As he left the office, the door shutting behind him, he heard Squall mutter, "Can't possibly be as good as me…" Seifer actually laughed aloud at that.
There was a lighter spring in his step as he - at last - reached his common room to find Raijin and Fujin upholding their post-mission tradition. No matter how late any of them returned, they would wait up with pizzas and beers. Seifer grinned as they exclaimed and fussed over him. His legs were aching and he was starving, so hot cheesy pizzas while sitting on the couch and recounting the details of his mission with his posse felt positively like homecoming.
Fujin and Raijin shared about their last ten days too. Obviously there were holes where they couldn't share because it had to do with preparing for Raijin's performance at the pageant, but there were still plenty of stories that Seifer enjoyed listening to.
It was funny, because a few short years ago (try even just two), Seifer knew he'd been a self-absorbed dick that had only liked the sound of his own voice. To his shame he couldn't recount many times in the past where he'd really asked how Raijin or Fujin were, or what their dreams and aspirations were. Clearly no one was more ambitious than him, and they obviously saw it because they were sticking by him. Right?
Now, on this side of hell, Seifer only wanted to hear about them. Wanted to hear about their lives and feelings. He had enough of his own mind and dreams. For a long time, he didn't want to talk about himself.
"Oh, and Fu got a secret note the other day, ya know - yeouch!" Raijin rubbed his foot where Fujin had just swiftly ankle-tapped him.
Seifer lowered a slice of pizza, eyes alight with interest. "What note?"
Fujin glowered at Raijin. "RAGE."
"It was a love note, ya know!" Raijin clearly wasn't going to stop sharing, dancing to the other side of the table while a bright red Fujin tried to reach him with her well-trained foot.
"Oohhhh baby," Seifer cackled gleefully. "What did it say?"
"BURNED."
"I have it memorised, ya know," proclaimed Raijin, and Fujin eyed him with a mixture of horror and betrayal.
"SILENCE - " she threatened.
"In Balamb's embrace, our fates entwine. As silent shadows whisper, you are mine," Raijin began to recite with posh and dramatic prosody, still dodging Fujin as she darted around trying to shut him up. "With eyes like a sorceress, enchanting rubies two; from a secret admirer, spell-bound by you."
Seifer's eyes almost popped out of his head for a full three seconds before he tipped backwards and rolled around on the couch, hooting with laughter. Fujin stopped chasing Raijin and stood there with her eyes narrowed and her face glowing like the setting sun while the pair of them guffawed.
"Whooo, hot damn, Fu!" Seifer gasped out. "Someone's walkin' around with a serious boner for you!"
"VULGAR."
"Some might say he has a pointy problem, ya know."
"Th - orny."
"A poking predicament."
"A stiff spur."
"IMBECILES," barked Fujin, striding over and whacking Seifer on the arm.
"Ouch, Fu! Damn, that hurts. But worth it." He was still chuckling, tossing the makeshift microphone into the bin. "Ahhhh, it's good to be back. Thanks for the feed and good laugh, Raj, Fu. I'm hittin' the hay. Hwaahhhhh." Seifer stretched out and yawned widely, "Make sure you reply to your lover-boy, Fu. Whoa!" He dodged a pizza box that she spun at him in much the same way she threw her weapon.
"Hey, watch the furniture, ya know!" Raijin called, then ducked as Fujin threw a whole garlic bread (wrapped) in his direction.
"Will help you guys clean up tomorrow!" Seifer called jauntily over his shoulder, walking towards his dorm door and passing the kitchenette. Something sitting on the counter, wrapped up and expectant, made him pause in his tracks. The fabric featured a traditional design with white and navy patterns.
"What's this?" he asked the other two, nodding his head at it.
"Oh, it's from Quistis, ya know," Raijin answered, picking up the garlic bread and tightening its wrapping. "Dropped it off a few hours ago. Said it was for you."
Seifer's heart skipped a beat. Immediately he picked the container up, realising as he did so that it was a lunch box, complete with a tied up scarf. He untied it to reveal a two-tiered bento box. There was a small note stuck to it in perfect, elegant script.
You were right about the premier league. I lost the bet, so here you go.
Hands shaking slightly in anticipation, Seifer removed the lid off both boxes and gave a low exclamation as a feast for the eyes greeted him. Perfectly-plump rice balls covered in a fine dusting of furikake; bright green broccoli nestled amongst cherry tomatoes; small bite-size pieces of meat patties with a drizzle of sauce; red strawberries and green grapes resting in a cupcake divider.
It was a lunch box. For him.
"Wow, I didn't know Quistis was into making bento lunches!" exclaimed Raijin, impressed as he came over to check it out. He frowned as he peered closely at something yellow. "What is this?"
Seifer was in a state of stunned warm fuzzies. He felt like a gigantic marshmallow. His greedy eyes drank in the different colours and food, each section of the lunch box filling him up like a comforting soup.
"I think… it's a Blobra." A grin unfurled across his face as he recognised the blob and the seaweed googly eyes. "She made the egg roll into Blobras," he murmured. Because they won the premier league. "Damn, that's cute."
"Looks tasty - " said Raijin glibly, reaching over to take one. Coming to, Seifer swatted his hand away instantly.
"NO!" he yelped.
Raijin regarded him with a wounded expression as Seifer moved the boxes right away from him, cuddling them protectively against his chest.
"It's mine. Don't eat it!" he ordered.
"You aren't gonna eat it now?"
"Nope. I'm saving it for later." Seifer tucked the boxes safely into the fridge, shooting Raijin a sharp look. "Don't even think about touching them. And quit staring at me like that, Fu." For Fujin had on that all-knowing smirk as she watched him walk to his room and yank open his door.
"THORNY," was her smug reply.
"Oh, shut up."
What was it that someone once said about a newfound appreciation for the everyday and mundane? Gratitude sweetens even the smallest moments. Maybe he was getting soft himself, but returning to Garden after each mission was becoming something more fond and pleasant. Even Xu appeared less catty than usual at breakfast, giving Seifer a short nod of acknowledgement in the cafeteria.
Perhaps one of the best parts of post-mission was the free week that always followed it. Several glorious days with no schedule or meetings, of not having to be anywhere for anything. Raijin had some free time too that morning, so Seifer spent a few hours helping him re-categorise his insect album as well as take some updated pictures of the more commonly found bugs outside by the plains. Soon, though, Seifer got sick of dodging Bite Bugs out there so he left Raijin to it close to lunchtime.
Once again, his thoughts strayed to Quistis, wondering what she was doing. Then, remembering he had a copy of her schedule on his phone, Seifer whipped it out and checked. Basic Junctioning.
He didn't remember much from that class, but surely it wasn't anything that advanced. Just switch off part of your brain and relinquish it to some powerful demi-god parasite, no big deal. Seifer grimaced. He'd always had difficulty junctioning Guardian Forces which was why he preferred not to do it.
Ironic, wasn't so hard for you to let some crazy witch take over your entire mind.
Quiet, you.
On a whim, Seifer decided to pay a visit to Quistis' lecture. He had to thank her for the bento box, didn't he? Not like there was anything else better to do. On the way there, his steps instinctively quickened and there was a stupidly excited twinge in his gut. Like some little puppy.
His mind traversed back to that night before he'd left for Timber. They had just wrapped up a particularly complicated yoga session and Quistis told him he'd better go back earlier than usual so he could be well-rested for an early start the next morning.
"You know I'm just gonna stay up late watching stupid videos."
"You should delete that app," Quistis said disapprovingly as she followed him to the door.
Seifer stepped outside and turned back around to face her. "No chance. Every now and then you learn somethin' new. Pretty sure that's how Dincht saw those balloon boobs."
She shook her head slightly before she settled her gaze on him gently and wished him, "Have a good mission, Seifer."
Seifer smirked. "Thanks. You gonna wish me luck?"
A smile caught her lips, her eyes twinkling with humour and nostalgia. "No. I only save it for those who need it."
He chuckled, and the scene was so perfect, so vivid, so striking, as she stood there silhouetted in the doorway and he before her, like a wife sending off her war hero husband.
Quistis' expression sobered and it occurred to Seifer, harmless and easy mission or not, there was always that slim possibility he might not return again. It seemed the same thought was occurring to her too as she looked at him with those aqua eyes, now serious and still.
"Come back safely, Seifer," she said softly.
His heart hammered in his chest, trapped in her gaze. His arm twitched, and for a terrifying moment he thought he was going to pitch forwards to hug her or kiss her, he didn't know. Thankfully, his body behaved and stayed firmly put.
"Um. I will," Seifer stammered out. "See you soon, instructor."
In a tragic story, he supposed he would've died of some heroic, noble reason. But nah, all that happened was babysitting a monkey squad of SeeDs and being run around by some massive Snow Lions.
Still better than causing mass destruction. This was becoming a mantra of sorts for his life. Anything now was better than where he'd been.
Seifer slipped into the back of the lecture room, listening to Quistis' familiar voice as she taught. A wry smile crossed his face as he reminisced about all the times he would sit in her home room and hear that same tone while he threw paper balls at Squall and graffitied all over his notebook.
"...raising the compatibility…" Her eyes swept the sea of faces in front of her when she noticed him. Recognition flared in her expression and Seifer tilted his head up to her with a slight grin, buoyed when her eyes lit up at the sight of him. A smile tugged the corner of her mouth, but otherwise from a very slight pause, she continued to plough on with her lecture undeterred.
Typical Trepe. Could probably recite the SeeD manual in her sleep.
The bell rang five minutes later and Quistis was quick to dismiss the class. She made her way over to Seifer as he stood up, gifting her with his trademark smirk.
Quistis folded her arms and leaned forward in that endearing way he'd come to associate with her. Her face was controlled and impassive to the untrained eye, but Seifer saw the warmth and glow in her eyes.
"You're back in one piece, Almasy," she greeted in a cordial, polite voice, as if they were mere acquaintances.
He spread his arms out carelessly. "I don't disappoint, Instructor Trepe."
"I heard the mission went well? A few battles with some Snow Lions?"
"Eh, you know I love battles. I fear nothing." He was rather enjoying this very public conversation with Quistis, conversing like they barely knew each other. Students were sidling past with expressions of great curiosity.
"Spoken like a true soldier. There was a mishap with one of your squad members?" Her eyes twinkled and he knew that she'd already heard. "Sounds like you were quite the hero."
Seifer pulled down the corner of his mouth, dropping the cavalier act. "Hero schmero. This is why you don't have a squad in the first place. They just get in your way."
"Isn't it the captain's duty to take the best possible course of action?" Quistis asked sweetly, and then smiled earnestly at him. "I think you did just that, Almasy. Mission success."
Her affirmation washed through him like a soothing soak, and Seifer fought to control his expression so as to not look like a complete Trepie. He flashed her a half-grin and said, "Thanks for the Blobras."
Quistis' countenance brightened like the sun, and he knew by his simple statement that he'd conveyed so much and she'd understood. She was thrilled that he'd received her bento box, had recognised the egg rolls, and was now thanking her for it.
"It's good to see you, Seifer," she said earnestly, the familiarity - which he didn't even realise he craved - finally seeping into her tone, and he just wanted to swoop in and hug her.
Instead Seifer jerked a thumb over his shoulder, asking, "You wanna get lunch?"
"I suppose you'll need to tell me more about these Snow Lions," she said with an impish smile, walking past him with her hands behind her back.
"As long as you tell me about the Blobras," was his weak ass comeback. Seifer took just a second to give a large, exaggerated wave at the gaping students before following after her like a little puppy.
Seifer was unsure where all the time had gone, but somehow he found himself at their final practice the night before the rehearsal. Confident he was in tip top Miss Balamb Garden shape, he thought he was going to Quistis' room for a routine hangout - watch some TV, read a book, debate with her about GFs.
But nope, Quistis was in full-fledged pageant mode. When he arrived, he found Irvine was already waiting inside. On went the (cornflour) water boobs, the bra, the dress and the wig, and then they were practising their dance. After Irvine left, Seifer went straight into his skin-tight yoga leggings and crop top and completed his routine before donning on the one-piece swimsuit Maria had made for him. It was a testament to Quistis' professionalism that she didn't bat an eyelash at any of these outfits, helping Seifer put them on and adjusting them with a critical eye.
Finally he sat, posture-perfect, on a stool, trying to huff a wayward strand of blonde hair out of his eyes. At least he was in his own clothes now, Quistis deciding to take pity on him and give him a break from all the constraining clothes.
Tsking, she reached forward and brushed the hair away for him.
"Don't do that, it's not ladylike," she chastised, seating herself on another stool in front of him. She had a stack of paper in her lap which he eyed suspiciously. Probably 101 questions about the history of Garden regulation. "Now we need to practise that girl voice."
"Oh Hyne."
"You'll need to be soft but confident, charming yet humble, seductive but innocent. Got it?"
"Uh, yeah, sure."
Quistis looked at him in surprise. "Really?"
"No," he groused. "How the hell are you supposed to embody so many opposites at once? That's like a walking paradox."
She seemed to deflate at his response, saying a touch defensively, "It's what you boys want from a girl."
"Says who?"
"Says Dolly magazine."
Seifer was nonplussed. "Who?"
For answer Quistis pulled out an outrageously pink magazine from underneath her stack of papers, brandishing it at him. Seifer caught it with a frown. It was one of those preppy magazines aimed at young girls. The cover featured a beautifully posed pop singer grinning winsomely, with colourful captions surrounding her like '145 cozzies that'll melt his magnum' and 'Your summer lovin' sorted! The ultimate hook up guide'.
He arched a distasteful eyebrow. "You read these?"
"I bought one for research," Quistis replied, undeterred. "Look at page eleven."
He flipped through it to the desired page. "'Ways to turn boys' heads'," Seifer read aloud in an off-putting voice. He looked back up at her and deadpanned, "You can't be serious."
Quistis' expression didn't shift. "Read it," she said simply.
Heaving a sigh, he complied.
"'Tip number one: exude confidence. Show you love yourself by how you walk, talk and sit.' "
" 'Tip number two: dazzle with your eyes. Use your eyes to sparkle with intrigue and delight with mystery.' "
" 'Tip number three: pout a little with your lips. Bonus tip: a little gloss goes a long way!' Man, someone actually gets paid to write this trash?" he snorted in disbelief.
"Keep reading."
"'Tip number four: smile and laugh generously. Boys are drawn to girls with a good sense of humour and a playful spirit.' "
" 'Tip number five: do all these things naturally! You got this girl!' " Seifer put on an exaggerated squeal at the end, a tone at complete odds with his disdainful stare.
"Sounds bloody difficult being a girl," was his verdict, tossing the magazine aside. "Ain't nobody got time for that. Why the hell do you have to try so hard?"
Quistis shrugged, but said vivaciously, "But since you are after the title of Miss Balamb Garden, we are going to try very hard. So let's hear that innocent-sexy-charming female voice."
Hearing her say the word sexy was surreal and staggering and yet simultaneously stirring something deep inside him, but Seifer forced himself to concentrate. He coughed awkwardly.
"Uhhh… hi?" he tried.
She wrinkled her nose. "A bit too high-pitched. And you don't sound confident at all. Maybe like this." Quistis cleared her throat and bowed her head while Seifer watched curiously. Then she lifted her gaze, peering at him through golden strands of hair, and something about her eyes was - he gulped - different. Darker… more alluring… seductive.
"Hello, Seifer," she said huskily. "How are you today?"
His brain jammed. Shoot. Yes. No. Good. What did she say?
She continued to look at him in that come-hither way, and as if his adrenal glands were activated he suddenly found his inner female voice.
"I'm very well, thank you," Seifer replied in a cool, melodious tone. "How are you?"
Quistis' brows contracted in surprise and then she beamed at him. "Seifer, that was amazing! How did you get it so fast?"
Seifer smirked, dropping back to his normal voice. "You inspired me," he told her honestly.
"Okay, that voice - wherever it came from - is excellent," she said, business-like. "Now you've got to maintain that interested, sweet yet alluring look for the whole night. Just think about… seducing the judges and audience."
Seifer did think about it. He knew he must look absurd, perched on the stool with the voluminous wig on, but he had more important things to concentrate on. Smiling to seduce the audience. Yeah, he could do that. He looked at Quistis who was watching him expectantly, and reflexively his mouth quirked up in a half-smile.
The bright expression on her face faltered and she said flatly, "Seifer, that one's for the girls."
"Oh. Right. Seducing the boys, right yeah." He paused, happening to catch a glimpse of her flustered look a moment later, and asked roguishly, "But did it work?"
Quistis met his gaze again. "You've clearly had plenty of practice," she finally murmured, shuffling the pages in her hands.
Seifer's grin broadened. "Good to know my charm works on you, Trepe," he said lightly.
She rolled her eyes, though her cheeks were tinged with pink. "Anyway," Quistis said forcefully. "Make that - face - and put on that voice, and let's practise these interview questions. Answer like you're the winner already. Confident, charming… seductive. Got it?"
"And dazzle with my eyes and pout my lips, got it," said Seifer dully.
Quistis looked at him severely. "Girl voice."
Seifer took a deep breath, channelled his inner sultry female, and replied charmingly, "Oh I understand, Instructor Trepe. Let me show you how much I understand."
She blinked, although the corner of her mouth twitched. "Probably coming on a little too strong there. You want to leave the innuendos for later."
Seifer just batted his eyelashes at her, pouting his lips ever so slightly. Quistis shook her head and began to read off her page.
"What would you say is your greatest achievement so far?"
Impulsively, deciding to hell with it, Seifer put a hand on his hip and thrust out his chest. "Being chosen as a Miss Balamb Garden contestant, of course," he said breathily, a toothy grin fixed in place. "I was handpicked for my dedication, wit and sex appeal."
He was so believable, so vivacious and so on-point with his girl voice that Quistis started laughing, the sound of it ringing like bells in the room. She used the stack of papers to muffle her laughter as Seifer sat there regarding her with a great sense of satisfaction.
"That was a very good answer," she admitted when the giggles had stopped.
"Would you expect any less from me, instructor?" he asked poshly.
"Okay, I can see you're having fun with this. Next question: where do you see yourself in five years?"
"As the winner of the Miss Balamb Garden title half a decade ago," answered Seifer smoothly, still in that sweet, honeyed voice. "But honestly… still with my friends, I hope. Fighting for them. Fighting for what I believe in."
"What kind of obstacles did you have to overcome to compete in this pageant?"
"There's been a lot of time invested in this, as you know. But when I think of the orphanage…" he pressed a hand against his heart dramatically and exhaled, "All the obstacles fade away. It's so worth it."
She smiled at him in a way that let him know she was liking his answers.
"What's the first thing you'll eat when this is over?"
What kinda question is that? "A gigantic sundae. One with sprinkles and brownies. I bake a good brownie, you know. Perhaps I'll give you judges a special taste test later."
She chuckled again, covering her mouth with her hand in that charming, ladylike way that she did. "Very good, Miss Almasy. Okay. What does your heart deeply desire?"
Seifer stilled, his mouth wicking dry all of a sudden, his heart freezing up inside of him.
Quistis let out a sharp intake of breath as if she'd just realised what she'd asked. Apologetically, she said, "Oh… you don't have to answer that."
He dropped his gaze, serious and sombre, looking down at the corner of her stool. She shifted in her seat nervously and waited for him to speak.
"What's yours?" Seifer finally asked, gaze still fixed on the stool.
There was another pause.
"A family," Quistis said quietly. "One that won't leave or disappear at any moment."
He glanced up at her to find that she wasn't looking at him either; rather, gazing down at the ground.
"A future without guilt," Seifer grunted out suddenly. "That's mine."
Quistis looked up at him with slightly wide eyes. Her next question, however, made him even more confused.
"Are you making it happen?" she whispered.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you might have to be the one who works on that," Quistis said in a soft, yet matter-of-fact way. "It's not just going to come to you."
Seifer curled his lip, grounding out harshly, "I don't think it's just on my terms, Trepe."
"Well, it might not mean anything to you," Quistis said steadily, "but you've got mine."
"What?" He wasn't sure he liked where this was going, if his suddenly re-kickstarted heart was any indication.
"My forgiveness."
His extremities went numb, every fibre of his being repelling her words. He wanted to shout, kick, push her way, so awash he was in self-loathing that moment.
Seifer levelled a glare at her. "I tried to kill you," he said, as if she'd forgotten this little fact. She had to understand why she couldn't do this. She couldn't. "And everything you stand for."
Quistis met his maelstrom glare with an expression that was both calm and a little sad. "I know."
"Does that not matter?" He couldn't help his voice trembling at the end, desperation and anger clipping his words.
"It mattered," she whispered, and her voice was full of constricted emotion that caught him off guard. "It mattered so much. But…" she swallowed. "That's in the past. I think we all learnt that it doesn't do to dwell on the past."
Her declaration of forgiveness - just like that - dropped right in his lap without invitation or warning or condition was so disarming. It was near-violent in what it was causing inside of him, a tidal wave of shame and guilt and an expectation ofdoing better - of being allowed to do better, being accepted to do better - crashing and smashing inside of him.
"You - you shouldn't - " he stammered.
"Forgive you?" Quistis finished for him gently. "Well, fortunately, that's my choice. You forgiving yourself though… that's your move, Seifer."
Seifer was furious but speechless, and the longer she just looked at him in that gently encouraging way (you can do it), the waves inside him stilled and calmed. Who was this girl, the champion of the good guys, Garden's golden child, one he'd hurt in so many different ways - sneering, mocking, judging - that she was able to sit here now and tell him that she forgave him?
They sat like that for almost a full minute, in a charged silence. Seifer did not take his eyes off Quistis, his brow furrowed intensely. She wiggled a little and mustered up the courage to break the silence.
"Um... we should take off this wig." Tentatively Quistis got up and stood over him, reaching out to his hair and gently pulling out the pins. His breath caught in his throat.
It was all too much. It was actually going to kill him. Seifer sat very still, concentrating on breathing while her scent clouded up all his senses, and when she was done and was pulling the wig away, he caught her hand in his.
Quistis met his gaze questioningly, but when she saw, and her expression changed. The way she looked at him, it was as though she saw him entirely, as if her stare had flayed him open and she could see exactly the raw, dark, vulnerable edges of him laid bare to her. As if she knew exactly what he had been trying so damn hard not to do this whole time.
Seifer closed his hand over hers, lacing their fingers together, their gaze never leaving each other, holding her in place above him. Then he tugged, very gently, and she let out a breath of surprise as she was jerked down towards him. They were now nose-to-nose. Instinctively Seifer used his other hand to tuck several strands of her hair behind her ear. Quistis regarded him with wide, open eyes as he traced her jawline with his thumb, finally resting it on her chin. Her sweet warm breath wafted over his lips and he thought he might die of anticipation, but still he used every bit of self-restraint to hold himself back, to wait for consent.
Her eyes fluttered shut, lips parted, and Seifer closed the gap between them.
He kissed her, leaving sweet innocent pecks over her lips. He felt her sigh and a tremor stroked his spine, but he continued to leave a trail of intoxicating light kisses over her soft lips.
Seifer pulled back just a fraction, watching her open her eyes slowly as though she was allowing the moment to sink in. And then Quistis pulled her hand free from his, and for a second he thought she was backing away before she wrapped both arms around him and pulled their mouths back together and she was kissing him back.
An involuntary shiver ran through his body, and it was as though the wild beast in his stomach - the one that he'd been suppressing this whole time - came alive and free. With a low growl Seifer stood up, tossing away the wig and pulling Quistis flush against him. The feel of her curves - ones he'd been fantasising about for several weeks now - against the hardest parts of him was both deliciously and painfully exquisite.
Tentatively, he ran a tongue over his lips, and his mind went to dark pleasurable places when she met him with her tongue and moaned. Oh Hyne. This was the most wonderful kind of torture, kissing this woman deeply, his hand buried in her enchantingly sweet hair, and she was kissing him back.
"Seifer…"
He'd never heard her say his name like that before. Dear Hyne, it was doing things to him.
"Mmm?" he whispered, kissing along her jawline. She moaned, arching up to allow him access to her delicious neck. She was going to kill him. Whipping him into shape to become a SeeD and a beauty pageant contestant wouldn't do it, but Quistis Trepe bending and sighing into his body while he left a trail of chaste kisses down her neck would officially be the death of him.
And then all of a sudden, her hands were pressed up against his chest and she was pushing him away.
"Wait…" she whispered, "Stop."
Still caught in a haze, Seifer was slow to pull back. "Hmm?"
"I can't… I don't…" Quistis was stumbling over her words as Seifer took a step away, missing the warmth of her body at once, and stared at her in bewilderment. She was breathing heavily, her lips plump and pink from his kisses and her hair in a disarray.
"I need to go to bed," she blurted out abruptly, and he blinked. The hell?
"Uh. Okay?"
"You can let yourself out. Good night." And without any further explanation, she turned away and went straight to her bedroom, snapping shut the door behind her.
Leaving Seifer standing there in the middle of her room. He remained motionless for a good minute, still trying to come to terms with what had just happened. When it became clear Quistis wasn't coming back out, he exited her room.
Seifer walked back to his dorm, thoroughly confused and pissed as well as insanely turned on.
What the hell was that?
